How to bring Xiaomi smartphone out of Fastboot mode: working methods 2026

Fastboot mode on Xiaomi smartphones is a special bootloader state that is used to firmware, unlock the bootloader or restore the system. However, many users face a situation where the phone “hangs” on the screen with a rabbit wearing a hat and the inscription FASTBOOT. This can happen after a failed update, resetting settings or accidentally pressing a combination of buttons.

Unlike the usual Recovery Mode, Fastboot doesn’t provide a graphical interface — all commands are executed through a computer connection or special hardware manipulations. The main problem is that without the right actions, the phone can stay in this mode indefinitely, blocking access to the system. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to exit Fastboot for Xiaomi in 2026, including methods without a PC and using official tools.

Why Xiaomi is loading into Fastboot and how to fix it

The reasons for getting into Fastboot mode can be divided into two categories: software failures and hardware actions of the user.

• 🔄 Interrupted software update - if the firmware process was interrupted (the battery is discharged, turned off) USB-cable, the system can get stuck during the boot phase.
• 🔧 Improper bootloader unlocking – using informal tools (such as Mi Unlock with errors) often leads to a reboot cycle in Fastboot.
• 📱 Accidental pressing of the combination of buttons - simultaneous clamping Volume down + Power when turned on translates the device to Fastboot.
• 💥 Damage to system files – viruses, “curved” firmware, or manual removal of system applications can disrupt the download chain.

It's important to understand that Fastboot mode itself is not a bug, it's a regular developer tool, and it happens when the system can't move on. For example, on Redmi Note 10 Pro or POCO X3 Pro models, after a failed firmware, the message FASTBOOT: error: cannot load 'recovery' may appear, which means that the recovery partition is damaged.

Before proceeding with the correction, check:

• ⚡ Battery charge (at least 30%, otherwise the device may be switched off during the process).
• 🔌 Cable USB (Use an original or certified Type-C).
• 🖥️ Xiaomi drivers on PC (if you plan to connect to your computer).

Method 1: Exit from Fastboot without a computer (hardware method)

If you don’t have a PC on hand, try pushing the phone out of Fastboot mode with button combinations, a technique that works on most Xiaomi, Redmi, and POCO models released after 2018.

Instructions:

1. Hold the Power button for 15-20 seconds until the screen goes out.
2. Once the device is turned off, immediately press the combination: Volume up + Power Hold it until the Mi logo appears (it will take ~10 seconds).
3. If the Recovery Mode menu appears, select Reboot → Reboot to System (control – volume buttons, confirmation – power).

On some models (such as the Xiaomi 12T or Redmi K50), an alternative combination may work:

Volume up + Volume down + Nutrition

Hold it until it vibrates or resets.

⚠️ Note: If the phone is re-entered into the Fastboot after the reboot, this indicates damage to the boot partition. In this case, you will need firmware through the Mi Flash Tool (see Method 4).

Method 2: Using the Mi Assistant (Official Xiaomi Tool)

Xiaomi has developed Mi Assistant (formerly Mi PC Suite), which allows you to restore the device without deep technical knowledge.

Step-by-step:

1. Download Mi Assistant from the official website and install it on PC.
2. Connect your phone to your computer through USB-cable USB 3.0 is preferable).
3. Run the program and wait until it determines the device in Fastboot mode.
4. From the main menu, select Unbrick Device → Exit Fastboot Mode.
5. Follow the hints on the screen. The program may suggest rebooting the phone or installing stock firmware.

The advantage of this method is security: the Mi Assistant uses official firmware and does not require unlocking the bootloader. However, some models (for example, the POCO F4 GT) may require authorization in the Mi Account account associated with the device.

If the Mi Assistant can't see the device:

• 🔌 Check the cable connection (try another port) USB).
• 🖥️ Install Qualcomm or MediaTek drivers (depending on your model’s processor).
• 🔄 Restart your PC and try again.

💡

If Mi Assistant requests a password from Mi Account but you don’t remember it, try to restore access via account.xiaomi.com. Use the same email as when you first set up your phone.

Method 3: ADB and Fastboot commands (for advanced users)

The ADB (Android Debug Bridge) and Fastboot tools allow you to control your device via the command line, a method that is suitable if previous methods have not worked, but requires minimal technical skills.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
• 🔧 Installed Platform Tools (include adb and fastboot).
• 📱 Included debugging by USB (If the phone has ever been loaded into the system).

Instructions:

1. Connect the phone to your PC and open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd).
2. Go to the Platform Tools folder (e.g., cd C:\platform-tools).
3. Run the command to check the connection: fastboot devices If the device is determined (serial number will appear), type: fastboot reboot

If the fastboot reboot command doesn’t work, try alternatives:

• 🔄 Fastboot Continue – Trying to continue downloading.
• 📱 fastboot oem reboot-recovery – transition to Recovery Mode.
• 🔧 fastboot flash boot boot.img — Reflashing the boot partition (file required) boot.img for your model).

⚠️ Attention: Fastboot flash or fastboot erase commands can cause data loss or "bricking" of the device if used incorrectly!

Method 4: Firmware via Mi Flash Tool (extremely)

If the phone persists in returning to Fastboot after each reboot, the system partition is likely damaged, in which case a complete flashing through the official Mi Flash Tool utility will help.

Important: This method deletes all data on the device, including photos, contacts and apps. If there were important files on the phone, try extracting them first through ADB pull (if the device is detected).

Step-by-step:

1. Download the Mi Flash Tool and firmware for your model (choose the Fastboot version, not Recovery).
2. Unpack the firmware archive into a folder without Cyrillic characters (e.g., C:\ROM\).
3. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and specify the path to the firmware folder.
4. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (should be determined as to how to use it) COM-port).
5. Select firmware mode: Clean All - complete cleaning (recommended for critical failures). Clean All and Lock - cleaning + lock bootloader (if you need to return the phone to the "factory" state).

Flash

Once you've done the firmware, the phone automatically reboots, and it can take up to 10 minutes to turn on the first thing, which is normal.

💡

Firmware via the Mi Flash Tool is the most reliable way to bring a phone back to life, but it requires strict adherence to instructions, and errors in the selection of firmware or mode can lead to complete failure of the device.

Method 5: Contact Xiaomi Service Center

If all of these methods have not worked, or you are not sure about your actions, the best way to go is to contact an authorized service center Xiaomi.

• 💥 The phone is not detected by the computer even in Fastboot mode.
• 🔧 There are errors on the screen, like FASTBOOT: error: can't load 'boot' or Invalid sparse file format at header.
• 📱 The device has previously been subjected to unofficial modifications (castom firmware, root).
• 🔒 Forgot the password from the Mi Account tied to the phone.

In the service center, specialists can:

• 🔧 Switching the phone through EDL-mode (emergency bootloader, works even when damaged Fastboot).
• 🔄 Restore IMEI or the serial number (if lost after the firmware).
• 📄 Provide warranty service (if the phone is warranty and the failure occurred through no fault of the user).

The cost of repairs in informal services is usually 1,500-4000 rubles, depending on the model and the complexity of the work. In authorized Xiaomi centers, the price may be higher, but you will get a guarantee for the work performed.

⚠️ Warning: Before visiting the service, back up your data if your phone has ever turned on. In some cases, wizards can save user files even in case of critical crashes.

Preventing: How to Avoid Getting into Fastboot in the Future

To minimize the risk of re-hanging in Fastboot mode, follow these guidelines:

When updating the software:

• 🔋 Charge the phone to 50%+ before installing updates.
• 📶 Use a stable Internet connection (Wi-Fi is preferable to a mobile network).
• ⏳ Do not interrupt the update process (even if it takes more than 30 minutes).

When unlocking the bootloader:

• 🔓 Use the official Mi Unlock Tool only.
• 📱 Link your phone to your Mi Account in advance (requires a wait of 7-15 days).
• 📝 Follow the instructions on the screen – don’t miss the steps.

In everyday use:

• 🛡️ Do not install custom firmware without a backup.
• 🔍 Check your phone regularly for viruses (e.g., Google Play Protect).
• 📦 Avoid manually removing system applications (this could disrupt the download chain).

💡

If you often experiment with firmware, back up the EFS partition (contains IMEI and serial numbers). Use the command in TWRP: adb backup --twrp --system --data --boot.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi's Fastboot mode